Introduction to Birding By Ear, Springbrook Prairie, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This trip is intended for those birders who would like to learn about bird calls and songs and how to use those sounds to identify "Birds-by-Ear." The trip leader will key-in on bird calls and songs as the group looks for marsh birds, grassland birds, and spring migrants. The emphasis of the trip will be to point out and learn the calls of the birds and how to develop the skills of identifying birds by sound. Please park at the Model Aircraft Field on Plainfield-Naperville Road south of 75th Street in Naperville. […]
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. McDowell Grove is typically a productive site for warblers and other migrants. The focus of the trip will be early migrants, forest, and scrubland birds. Meet in the parking lot off Raymond Drive, 1/2 mile south of I-88. Most of our walk will be on gravel and good earthen trails; wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Leader: Diann Bilderback, 630-272-5746, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com
Bird Sit at McDowell Grove, Naperville, 4s500 Raymond Dr. Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This is a new field trip for anyone who finds the long walks of our regular field trips too difficult or who would just like a less vigorous birding experience but still share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars and field guides and join us at McDowell Grove. We will meet and sit as a group (masked and socially distanced) and look for early spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome.McDowell Grove is on the east side of Raymond […]
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. We'll be concentrating on early woodland migrants as we explore some of the excellent trails through this preserve. We will meet in the main parking lot which is accessed off of Raymond Drive where it intersects with McDowell Road (stop light). Leader: Denis Kania at djkan36@gmail.com
Elsen’s Hill/West DuPage Woods, Winfield
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. This location has the designation of “Important Bird Area.” Elsen’s Hill is known for spring migrating birds and is a traditionally excellent spot for warblers. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go west on Gary’s Mill Rd. to the preserve parking lot entrance on the north side of the road. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and boots for muddy trails. Leader: Diann Bilderback, 630-272-5746, diann.bilderback@yahoo.com
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. We'll be concentrating on woodland migrants as we explore some of the excellent trails through this preserve. We will meet in the main parking lot which is accessed off of Raymond Drive where it intersects with McDowell Road (stop light). Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com
Danada Forest Preserve – East side, Wheaton
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Meet at the parking lot east of Naperville Rd. between Butterfield Rd. and Warrenville Rd. We will be searching for resident and migrant species, through a variety of habitats including woodlands, prairie and Rice Lake. A scope would be helpful. Leader: Nancy Allured, nallured@gmail.com
Maple Grove Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We'll be looking for spring migrants, including warblers, songbirds, and Wood Ducks that nest in the area. Trails are dirt and may be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. Meet in parking lot off of Maple Ave. in Downers Grove. Leader: John Hebert, johnhhebert@yahoo.com
2021 Spring Bird Count
A hundred or more birders will fan out across DuPage County to identify all the bird species they can find. A group of birders will be in the field somewhere near your home. Come join us; we need more birders to make it possible to cover as many locations within the county as we can. You don't have to be an expert birder to participate; all skill levels are welcome. Even if you can only bird for part of the day, we can use you. And if that’s your preference, you’ll probably be able to look for birds close to […]
Whalon Lake and Peacock Marsh, Will County
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15. Please email both Bob and Jean to reserve your spot on the trip. We are going to start this trip in the afternoon to get the sun at our back. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland species are targets. We'll start at Whalon Lake in Naperville. Drive down to meet at the picnic shelter next to the parking lot near the dog play lot. Whalon Lake on the south side of Royce Rd., west of Rt. 53 and south of 75th St. From Whalon Lake, we will drive south to visit Peacock Marsh to […]
Beginners Bird Walk, St. James Farm, Warrenville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. With migration in full swing, there should be plenty of birds around. We will concentrate on basic bird ID skills in order to establish a foundation for your future enjoyment of birds. We will meet in the main parking lot. The entrance is located on the east side of Winfield Road, 0.25 mile north of Butterfield Road. Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. We will be looking for spring migrants. Meet at the first parking lot at McDowell Grove on Raymond Rd., just south of Diehl Road. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, dbcsec2020@gmail.com
Waterfall Glen, Poverty Prairie, Lemont
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Please park in the lot for Poverty Prairie, on the east side of Lemont Road at 101st Street. We’ll be on limestone trails with a slight elevation until we level out onto the prairie. Expect about a 3.5 mile walk round trip. We’re looking for all the migrants and possibly local woodpeckers and owls, and to see if the Blue Grosbeaks, Bell’s Vireos, and Yellow-breasted Chats returned after a thorough burn on the shrublands this year. Leader: Vicky Sroczynski 630-297-9512 vsroczynski@dupagebirding.org
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville – Birding by Ear Field Trip
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Field trip concentrating on building birding by ear skills to identify birds. The field trip will focus on how to identify and learn bird songs in the field at Springbrook Prairie in Naperville. Combination of grassland birds and spring migrants. Meet at the gravel parking lot on the EAST side of Plainfield-Naperville Rd., about 0.5 miles south of 75th Street. We will be going off trail over bumpy terrain. Be prepared for wet grass and use insect repellent for ticks and mosquitos. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, dbcsec2020@gmail.com
Beginners Bird Walk McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. With migration in full swing there should be plenty of birds around. We will concentrate on basic bird ID skills in order to establish a foundation for your future enjoyment of birds. We will meet in the main parking lot which is accessed off of Raymond Drive where it intersects with McDowell Road (stop light). Leader: Denis Kania at djkan36@gmail.com
Bird Sit at Elsen’s Woods – CANCELED
CANCELED AND RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 20 Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This is a field trip for anyone who finds the long walks of our regular field trips too difficult or who would just like a less vigorous birding experience, but still wants to share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group (masked and socially distanced) and look for early spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go […]
Bird Sit at Elsen’s Hill, West DuPage Woods, Winfield
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This is a field trip for anyone who finds the long walks of our regular field trips too difficult or who would just like a less vigorous birding experience, but still wants to share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will meet and sit as a group (masked and socially distanced) and look for early spring migrants and any birds that come to us! Birders of all levels are welcome. Take Winfield Rd. to Gary’s Mill Rd. Go west on Gary’s Mill Rd. to […]
McKee Marsh, Warrenville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Join us for another morning walk to the marsh where we hope to see residents and migrant waterfowl. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville. Most of our walk will be on limestone and earthen trails: wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Leader: Kathy Mineck, cell day of: 630-254-4077, kmineck@dupagebirding.org
Bird the Park: St. James Farm, Warrenville
This is a leaderless birding experience. You will bird on your own between the hours of 7 am and 10 am. The idea is you will “bump” into fellow birders as you make your way along the trail loop, chat a little about what you are seeing, then move on and hopefully run into another birder further along the trail. You can start at 7 or sleep in and start at 8 or even 9! The route we will follow is as follows. Starting at Waterlily Pond (just south of the Office) follow the St. James Trail to the McCormick Woods Trail […]
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Joe Suchecki, the Forest Preserve's District's volunteer Steward and Bird Monitor for Springbrook, will lead this trip. Participants will cover several of the key birding areas at Springbrook that are good for grassland birds and late spring migrants. Park at the Model Aircraft Field Parking Lot on the west side of Plainfield-Naperville Rd. about 0.5 miles south of 75th St. We will be going off-trail over bumpy terrain. Be prepared for wet grass and trails, ticks, and mosquitos. Use insect repellent. Leader: Joe Suchecki, 630-369-5570, dbcsec2020@gmail.com
Beginners Bird Walk at McKee Marsh, Warrenville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 12 participants. We’ll explore this celebrated preserve, searching for grassland and marsh species. We will concentrate on basic bird ID skills in order to establish a foundation for your future enjoyment of birds. Meet at the visitor parking lot on the north side of Mack Rd., located between Winfield Rd. and Rt. 59 in Warrenville. Most of our walk will be on limestone and earthen trails: wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Leader: Denis Kania, djkan36@gmail.com
York Woods, Oak Brook
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. York Woods is a great location for summer residents. It is one of DuPage County’s smallest forest preserves with level asphalt trails and mainly oak woods. This field trip will be designed for beginners, but experienced birders may not be disappointed. We will cancel in the event of inclement weather. Directions: From southbound York Rd. take Frontage Rd. west (I-88 exit) to Harger. Access to Frontage Rd. from northbound York is not allowed. Take York north to Roosevelt Rd. and follow the Roosevelt interchange to southbound York. Please note there is […]
Bird Sit at Danada East, Wheaton
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This is a field trip for anyone who finds the long walks of our regular field trips too difficult or who would just like a less vigorous birding experience but still share the camaraderie of fellow birders. Bring your folding lawn chairs, binoculars, and field guides. We will be birding on the Danada Equestrian (east) side of the park. We will meet in the parking lot and then take a short walk on a paved trail to a small bird garden behind Danada House where we will sit. Birders of all levels are […]
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This trip will focus on finding and identifying the grassland birds that nest at Springbrook Prairie including such species as Henslow's, Savannah, and Grasshopper Sparrows; Bobolinks; Sedge Wren; and Dickcissel. Some shrubland birds such as Yellow-breasted Chat, Bell's Vireo, and marsh-nesting birds are also possible. Meet the leader at the main parking lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd St. west of Book Rd. The main lot is across from the Springbrook Golf Course. The trip will go off-trail and the vegetation may be wet, so please wear appropriate footwear. Ticks are […]
TWI’s Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin Hopper and other Putnam County birding hotspots
Pre-registration with the leaders is required, limit 20 participants. An all day trip! It takes approx. 90 minutes to reach the morning rendezvous spot from the merge from I-355 onto I-55 S. This spot is the farmhouse on the W side of IL Rte. 26, right at the edge of the The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) complex; 9231 State Route 26 Hennepin, IL 61327. From the start location, we will break into 2 groups of 10 or less each, visit various scattered locations containing different habitats and bird species. Carpooling will be encouraged as the 2 groups travel from spot to […]
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, Naperville
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. This trip will focus on finding and identifying the grassland birds that nest at Springbrook Prairie including such species as Henslow's, Savannah and Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Sedge Wren, and Dickcissel. Some shrubland birds such as Yellow-breasted Chat, Bell's Vireo, and marsh-nesting birds are also possible. Meet the leader at the main parking lot for Springbrook Prairie on 83rd St. west of Book Rd. The main lot is across from the Springbrook Golf Course. The trip will go off-trail and the vegetation may be wet, so pleasewear appropriate footwear. Ticks are an […]
Greene Valley, Woodridge
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 20 participants. This morning trip will be more oriented for new birders, but experienced ones are welcome. We will walk at a leisurely pace to allow for all to see any birds. We will search for late migratory birds and summer residents. Meet at the Thunderbird Youth Camp Parking Lot. Go west on 79th about 1/2 mile, the entrance is on south side of 79th Street, west of Greene Road in Naperville/Woodridge.Leader: Bonnie Graham, 630-204-8750, coye72112@gmail.com
James Pate Philip State Park and nearby areas, Bartlett
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 15 participants. Let’s meet at James Pate Philip State Park in the northwest corner of the county, to look for nesting grassland, shrubland, and marshland birds. This preserve includes an area designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, comprised of a Dwarf Bur-Reed Marsh. Please be prepared to walk almost 4 miles on flat turf and limestone trails, mostly without shade. Park in the main parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Bring a sack lunch so we can eat there together when we’re done. Depending on time, and scouting results, we could […]
Bird the Park: Hidden Lake, Downers Grove
This is a leaderless birding experience, you do not need to sign up with the organizer. You will bird on your own between the hours of 7 am and 10 am. The idea is you will “bump” into fellow birders as you make your way along the trail loop, chat a little about what you are seeing, then move on and hopefully run into another birder further along the trail. You can start at 7 or sleep in and start at 8 or even 9! Dress for the weather, bring bug spray and water. The route we will bird is […]
Bemis Woods South, Western Springs
Pre-registration with the leader is required, limit 10 participants. Join us at Bemis Woods South for a morning of birding. This will be a walk for new birders. We will walk slowly and allow time for all to look at the birds. We will check out resident and nesting birds. Meet by the “Go Ape” course. The entrance is off Ogden Ave. between I 294 and Wolf Rd. The trails can be muddy so wear appropriate shoes and use insect repellant. Leader: Lesa Hipes, 630-689-7463, lhipes@dupagebirding.org